Damon Albarn

Damon Albarn welcomes Sodajerker to his London studio to chat about the creative process behind the new Blur record The Ballad of Darren. Among other topics, the singer-songwriter and composer talks about his working routines with Blur and Gorillaz, writing about real life experiences, and his love for the city of Liverpool.

Damon Albarn welcomes Sodajerker to his London studio to chat about the creative process behind the new <a href="https://www.blur.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blur</a> record The Ballad of Darren. Among other topics, the singer-songwriter and composer talks about his working routines with Blur and Gorillaz, writing about real life experiences, and his love for the city of Liverpool.

Episode 253 - Damon Albarn

Lloyd Cole

Lloyd Cole joins Simon and Brian to discuss his songwriting and the creative process behind his new record On Pain. The former Commotions frontman reflects on new collaborations with his old bandmates, the influence of David Bowie, and his ongoing quest to experiment and evolve.

<a href="https://www.lloydcole.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lloyd Cole</a> joins Simon and Brian to discuss his songwriting and the creative process behind his new record On Pain. The former Commotions frontman reflects on new collaborations with his old bandmates, the influence of David Bowie, and his ongoing quest to experiment and evolve.

Episode 252 - Lloyd Cole

Jenny Lewis

Jenny Lewis chats to Sodajerker about her current record Joy'All and her songwriting process. Among other insights, the musician and actress talks about attending a songwriting group hosted by Beck, recording with Ringo Starr, and her work with Rilo Kiley.

<a href="https://www.jennylewis.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jenny Lewis</a> chats to Sodajerker about her current record Joy'All and her songwriting process. Among other insights, the musician and actress talks about attending a songwriting group hosted by Beck, recording with Ringo Starr, and her work with Rilo Kiley.

Episode 251 - Jenny Lewis

Mick Hucknall

Simply Red's Mick Hucknall joins Simon and Brian for a special 250th episode covering his new record Time and his work through the years. The celebrated frontman speaks candidly about his career as a songwriter, his collaborations with Motown legend Lamont Dozier, and the stories behind classic hits like 'Holding Back The Years' and 'Something Got Me Started'.

Simply Red's <a href="https://www.simplyred.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mick Hucknall</a> joins Simon and Brian for a special 250th episode covering his new record Time and his work through the years. The celebrated frontman speaks candidly about his career as a songwriter, his collaborations with Motown legend Lamont Dozier, and the stories behind classic hits like 'Holding Back The Years' and 'Something Got Me Started'.

Episode 250 - Mick Hucknall

Theo Katzman

Theo Katzman discusses his amazing album Be The Wheel and his philosophies as a songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. The Vulfpeck member shares a range of ideas about music including the influence of jazz standards, capturing real performances on record, and why AI is no problem if we just focus on our humanity.

<a href="https://theokatzman.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Theo Katzman</a> discusses his amazing album Be The Wheel and his philosophies as a songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. The Vulfpeck member shares a range of ideas about music including the influence of jazz standards, capturing real performances on record, and why AI is no problem if we just focus on our humanity.

Episode 249 - Theo Katzman

Jessie Ware

Jessie Ware chats with Sodajerker about her new album That! Feels Good! and her approach to songwriting. The singer, songwriter and podcaster talks about wearing lots of different hats creatively, the challenges of co-writing, and past collaborations with Benny Blanco, Ed Sheeran and Julia Michaels.

<a href="https://www.jessieware.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jessie Ware</a> chats with Sodajerker about her new album That! Feels Good! and her approach to songwriting. The singer, songwriter and podcaster talks about wearing lots of different hats creatively, the challenges of co-writing, and past collaborations with Benny Blanco, Ed Sheeran and Julia Michaels.

Episode 248 - Jessie Ware

David Paich

David Paich sits down with Simon and Brian to talk about his songwriting process, his recent solo debut Forgotten Toys, and his classic hits with Toto. The legendary songwriter, keyboardist and session musician discusses his early musical life, the influence of his father, and collaborations with Boz Scaggs, David Foster and more.

David Paich sits down with Simon and Brian to talk about his songwriting process, his recent solo debut Forgotten Toys, and his classic hits with <a href="https://totoofficial.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Toto</a>. The legendary songwriter, keyboardist and session musician discusses his early musical life, the influence of his father, and collaborations with Boz Scaggs, David Foster and more.

Episode 247 - David Paich

Tim Burgess

The delightful Tim Burgess joins us to discuss his songwriting process, both solo and with The Charlatans. The singer-songwriter, author, and Twitter legend talks about writing in white rooms, hitting hot streaks, and the joy of sharing music through his listening parties.

The delightful <a href="https://www.timburgessofficial.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Burgess</a> joins us to discuss his songwriting process, both solo and with The Charlatans. The singer-songwriter, author, and Twitter legend talks about writing in white rooms, hitting hot streaks, and the joy of sharing music through his listening parties.

Episode 246 - Tim Burgess

Shania Twain

Triple diamond pop megastar Shania Twain joins us to discuss her captivating new record Queen Of Me and her colossal hits from the past. The Canadian singer-songwriter talks about how she felt going into writing rooms for the first time, her love for strong choruses and bridges, and why she’s always looking to be envious of something someone else wrote.

Triple diamond pop megastar <a href="https://www.shaniatwain.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shania Twain</a> joins us to discuss her captivating new record Queen Of Me and her colossal hits from the past. The Canadian singer-songwriter talks about how she felt going into writing rooms for the first time, her love for strong choruses and bridges, and why she’s always looking to be envious of something someone else wrote.

Episode 245 - Shania Twain

Boz Scaggs

This gem from the archives was thought lost forever, but thanks to the wonders of technology we've been able to recover our chat with the great Boz Scaggs. It was recorded around the time of Boz's last album, Out of the Blues, and highlights his contemporary approach to music making, as well as the creative process behind timeless classics like 'Lowdown' and 'Hollywood'. The singer-songwriter and guitarist also speaks about gaining vocal confidence, collaborating with David Paich, David Foster and Marcus Miller, and finding your passion when it's gone.

This gem from the archives was thought lost forever, but thanks to the wonders of technology we've been able to recover our chat with the great Boz Scaggs. It was recorded around the time of Boz's last album, Out of the Blues, and highlights his contemporary approach to music making, as well as the creative process behind timeless classics like 'Lowdown' and 'Hollywood'. The singer-songwriter and guitarist also speaks about gaining vocal confidence, collaborating with David Paich, David Foster and Marcus Miller, and finding your passion when it's gone.

Episode 244 - Boz Scaggs

Sodajerker On Songwriting is a programme devoted to the art and craft of songwriting. The show, created and hosted by the UK songwriting team Sodajerker, features interviews with some of the most successful songwriters and musicians in the world.

Great interviews with great artists e.g. Tom Bailey

Well done

Ad free, nicely produced &amp; well researched.  A show for music lovers by music lovers!

Well done!

Sodajerker On Songwriting

In this special episode, legendary songwriter and Beatle Paul McCartney sits down with Simon and Brian at The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts to discuss songs from his new album Egypt Station. During the conversation, Paul describes the process of collaborating with Greg Kurstin and Ryan Tedder, how he develops and captures his ideas, his natural flair for melody, and his modular approach to putting different sections together.

In this special episode, legendary songwriter and Beatle <a href="https://www.paulmccartney.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paul McCartney</a> sits down with Simon and Brian at The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts to discuss songs from his new album Egypt Station. During the conversation, Paul describes the process of collaborating with Greg Kurstin and Ryan Tedder, how he develops and captures his ideas, his natural flair for melody, and his modular approach to putting different sections together.

Episode 122 - Paul McCartney

Internationally renowned parodist, singer-songwriter, actor and accordionist "Weird Al" Yankovic takes some time out to chat with Simon and Brian about his approach to writing comedy songs and style parodies. Al discusses the processes behind songs like 'Trapped in the Drive-Thru', 'Hardware Store', 'The Night Santa Went Crazy', 'Pancreas' and 'Skipper Dan'.

Internationally renowned parodist, singer-songwriter, actor and accordionist "Weird Al" Yankovic takes some time out to chat with Simon and Brian about his approach to writing comedy songs and style parodies. Al discusses the processes behind songs like 'Trapped in the Drive-Thru', 'Hardware Store', 'The Night Santa Went Crazy', 'Pancreas' and 'Skipper Dan'.

Episode 22 - "Weird Al" Yankovic

Jacob Collier

Musical polymath Jacob Collier meets Simon and Brian in London halfway through the expansive four volume Djesse series to discuss his approach to songwriting and creativity. Jacob explains how he reconciles his vision for the project alongside the contributions of guests and how deadlines help to narrow down the infinite possibilities that musical ideas present to him.

Musical polymath <a href="https://www.jacobcollier.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jacob Collier</a> meets Simon and Brian in London halfway through the expansive four volume Djesse series to discuss his approach to songwriting and creativity. Jacob explains how he reconciles his vision for the project alongside the contributions of guests and how deadlines help to narrow down the infinite possibilities that musical ideas present to him.

Episode 147 - Jacob Collier

Jason Isbell

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist Jason Isbell joins Simon and Brian in London to mark the milestone of the 100th Sodajerker podcast. Jason talks about the writing of his incredible new record, The Nashville Sound, classic songs from his solo and Drive-By Truckers periods, how TV's Hoarders impacted upon the new album, and the songwriting significance of the humble weed vape.

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist <a href="http://www.jasonisbell.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jason Isbell</a> joins Simon and Brian in London to mark the milestone of the 100th Sodajerker podcast. Jason talks about the writing of his incredible new record, The Nashville Sound, classic songs from his solo and Drive-By Truckers periods, how TV's Hoarders impacted upon the new album, and the songwriting significance of the humble weed vape.

Episode 100 - Jason Isbell

Paul Simon

In this special episode, we meet with Paul Simon to talk about his stunning new album Stranger to Stranger and the writing processes behind songs like 'Wristband', 'Street Angel', 'In A Parade', 'The Riverbank' and 'Cool Papa Bell'. In this interview, the legendary singer-songwriter reveals a profound curiosity for musical experimentation that goes some way to explaining both his incredible influence in popular music, and his timeless catalogue.

In this special episode, we meet with <a href="http://www.paulsimon.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paul Simon</a> to talk about his stunning new album Stranger to Stranger and the writing processes behind songs like 'Wristband', 'Street Angel', 'In A Parade', 'The Riverbank' and 'Cool Papa Bell'. In this interview, the legendary singer-songwriter reveals a profound curiosity for musical experimentation that goes some way to explaining both his incredible influence in popular music, and his timeless catalogue.

Episode 88 - Paul Simon

Ben Folds

Ben Folds, Darren Jessee and Robert Sledge, known collectively as Ben Folds Five, sit down in person with Simon and Brian for a special edition of Sodajerker on Songwriting. In this audio version of the video podcast, the band talk about the writing of songs like 'Brick', 'Battle of Who Could Care Less', 'Philosophy', 'Steven's Last Night in Town' and songs from their new album The Sound of the Life of the Mind, such as 'Do it Anyway', 'Sky High' and 'Michael Praytor, Five Years Later'.

Ben Folds, Darren Jessee and Robert Sledge, known collectively as <a href="http://www.benfolds.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Folds Five</a>, sit down in person with Simon and Brian for a special edition of Sodajerker on Songwriting. In this audio version of the video podcast, the band talk about the writing of songs like 'Brick', 'Battle of Who Could Care Less', 'Philosophy', 'Steven's Last Night in Town' and songs from their new album The Sound of the Life of the Mind, such as 'Do it Anyway', 'Sky High' and 'Michael Praytor, Five Years Later'.

Episode 31 - Ben Folds Five (audio version)

Noel Gallagher

This special episode features a sit down with legendary British songwriter Noel Gallagher who talks about his approach to writing the new High Flying Birds album Who Built The Moon? as well as classic Oasis songs like 'Cigarettes &amp; Alcohol' and 'Don't Look Back in Anger'. In describing his work, Noel likens the discipline of songwriting to fishing, and, in that way only he can, expresses his distaste for artists who rely on songwriting teams.

This special episode features a sit down with legendary British songwriter <a href="https://www.noelgallagher.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Noel Gallagher</a> who talks about his approach to writing the new High Flying Birds album Who Built The Moon? as well as classic Oasis songs like 'Cigarettes &amp; Alcohol' and 'Don't Look Back in Anger'. In describing his work, Noel likens the discipline of songwriting to fishing, and, in that way only he can, expresses his distaste for artists who rely on songwriting teams.

Episode 110 - Noel Gallagher

In this very special episode, the one and only Sting talks about approaching his classic hits from a fresh perspective on his new record, My Songs. With his guitar to hand, the singular artist sits down at home in London with Simon and Brian to reveal the creative processes behind one of pop's most extraordinary catalogues.

In this very special episode, the one and only <a href="https://www.sting.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sting</a> talks about approaching his classic hits from a fresh perspective on his new record, My Songs. With his guitar to hand, the singular artist sits down at home in London with Simon and Brian to reveal the creative processes behind one of pop's most extraordinary catalogues.

Episode 140 - Sting

In this special episode, Yusuf aka Cat Stevens meets with Simon and Brian in London for a chat about the writing of his new record The Laughing Apple and classic songs from his back catalogue. Songs discussed include: 'Matthew &amp; Son', 'The First Cut Is The Deepest', 'Wild World', 'Father and Son', 'Moonshadow', '(Remember The Days Of The) Old Schoolyard', 'Heaven/Where True Love Goes' and 'Mighty Peace'.

In this special episode, <a href="https://catstevens.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yusuf aka Cat Stevens</a> meets with Simon and Brian in London for a chat about the writing of his new record The Laughing Apple and classic songs from his back catalogue. Songs discussed include: 'Matthew &amp; Son', 'The First Cut Is The Deepest', 'Wild World', 'Father and Son', 'Moonshadow', '(Remember The Days Of The) Old Schoolyard', 'Heaven/Where True Love Goes' and 'Mighty Peace'.

Episode 106 - Yusuf / Cat Stevens

John Flansburgh and John Linnell of They Might Be Giants take an hour out of their busy tour schedule to talk with Simon and Brian about their new album Nanobots; their approach to songwriting; the Dial-A-Song service; writing music for children; their collaborations with production team Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley on songs like 'Birdhouse in Your Soul', and more.

John Flansburgh and John Linnell of <a href="http://www.theymightbegiants.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">They Might Be Giants</a> take an hour out of their busy tour schedule to talk with Simon and Brian about their new album Nanobots; their approach to songwriting; the Dial-A-Song service; writing music for children; their collaborations with production team Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley on songs like 'Birdhouse in Your Soul', and more.

Episode 40 - They Might Be Giants

Neil Finn

Neil Finn of Split Enz, Crowded House, Finn Brothers and Pajama Club chats with Simon and Brian about his songwriting process and the writing of songs like 'Fall At Your Feet', 'Don't Dream It's Over', 'Weather With You', 'Four Seasons In One Day', 'Not The Girl You Think You Are' and 'Edible Flowers'. Neil also talks about his work on The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and details the production of his forthcoming solo record.

<a href="http://neilfinn.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neil Finn</a> of Split Enz, Crowded House, Finn Brothers and Pajama Club chats with Simon and Brian about his songwriting process and the writing of songs like 'Fall At Your Feet', 'Don't Dream It's Over', 'Weather With You', 'Four Seasons In One Day', 'Not The Girl You Think You Are' and 'Edible Flowers'. Neil also talks about his work on The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and details the production of his forthcoming solo record.

Episode 44 - Neil Finn

Michael Nesmith

Acclaimed singer-songwriter and Monkee Michael Nesmith talks Sodajerker through the writing process behind songs like 'Papa Gene's Blues', 'Joanne', 'Different Drum', 'Rio' and 'Laugh Kills Lonesome'. In addition to discussing songs he wrote for The Monkees and his solo work, Nez reflects on his relationship with John Lennon, the importance of the arranger, and the influence of visual art on his writing.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter and Monkee <a href="https://www.videoranch3d.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Nesmith</a> talks Sodajerker through the writing process behind songs like 'Papa Gene's Blues', 'Joanne', 'Different Drum', 'Rio' and 'Laugh Kills Lonesome'. In addition to discussing songs he wrote for The Monkees and his solo work, Nez reflects on his relationship with John Lennon, the importance of the arranger, and the influence of visual art on his writing.

Episode 155 - Michael Nesmith

Andy Partridge

Andy Partridge of XTC and The Dukes of Stratosphear joins Simon and Brian for a conversation about the writing of some of his greatest songs, including 'Senses Working Overtime', 'Love on a Farmboy's Wages', 'Ballet for a Rainy Day', 'Scarecrow People' and 'Brainiac's Daughter' among many others. With his guitar at hand, Andy talks Sodajerker through his writing process in a way only he can!

<a href="http://ape.uk.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Andy Partridge</a> of XTC and The Dukes of Stratosphear joins Simon and Brian for a conversation about the writing of some of his greatest songs, including 'Senses Working Overtime', 'Love on a Farmboy's Wages', 'Ballet for a Rainy Day', 'Scarecrow People' and 'Brainiac's Daughter' among many others. With his guitar at hand, Andy talks Sodajerker through his writing process in a way only he can!

Episode 8 - Andy Partridge

Country superstar Keith Urban grabs a couple of his prized Fender guitars and talks Simon and Brian through the writing processes behind his many hit songs. During the conversation, Keith explains the importance of rhythm in his writing, collaborating with the likes of Julia Michaels and Richard Marx, and how he has been inspired creatively by his wife Nicole Kidman.

Country superstar <a href="https://keithurban.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Keith Urban</a> grabs a couple of his prized Fender guitars and talks Simon and Brian through the writing processes behind his many hit songs. During the conversation, Keith explains the importance of rhythm in his writing, collaborating with the likes of Julia Michaels and Richard Marx, and how he has been inspired creatively by his wife Nicole Kidman.

Episode 153 - Keith Urban

Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites of The Lumineers discuss the writing of their stunning album Cleopatra, including songs like 'Ophelia', 'In the Light', 'Angela' and 'Gun Song'. The guys also detail their approach to penning the worldwide smash 'Ho Hey' and their work on 'The Hanging Tree' for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, as performed by Jennifer Lawrence.

Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites of <a href="http://thelumineers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Lumineers</a> discuss the writing of their stunning album Cleopatra, including songs like 'Ophelia', 'In the Light', 'Angela' and 'Gun Song'. The guys also detail their approach to penning the worldwide smash 'Ho Hey' and their work on 'The Hanging Tree' for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, as performed by Jennifer Lawrence.

Episode 91 - The Lumineers

Joe Jackson

Joe Jackson chats with Sodajerker about his latest album Fast Forward and the writing of classic songs from his catalogue like 'Is She Really Going Out With Him?', 'It's Different for Girls', 'Steppin' Out', and 'Be My Number Two'. Joe also reflects on his early career, his work on film scores alongside directors like Francis Ford Coppola, and why not every song needs an origin story.

<a href="http://joejackson.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Joe Jackson</a> chats with Sodajerker about his latest album Fast Forward and the writing of classic songs from his catalogue like 'Is She Really Going Out With Him?', 'It's Different for Girls', 'Steppin' Out', and 'Be My Number Two'. Joe also reflects on his early career, his work on film scores alongside directors like Francis Ford Coppola, and why not every song needs an origin story.

Episode 81 - Joe Jackson

Rufus Wainwright

Singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright talks about the writing processes behind such songs as 'Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk', 'The Art Teacher', 'Zebulon', 'Out of the Game', 'Montauk', 'Swings Both Ways', 'Me and Liza' and much more. In addition to describing his collaborations with people like Guy Chambers, Robbie Williams and Mark Ronson, Rufus also provides details about his new album Vibrate: The Best of Rufus Wainwright.

Singer-songwriter <a href="http://www.rufuswainwright.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rufus Wainwright</a> talks about the writing processes behind such songs as 'Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk', 'The Art Teacher', 'Zebulon', 'Out of the Game', 'Montauk', 'Swings Both Ways', 'Me and Liza' and much more. In addition to describing his collaborations with people like Guy Chambers, Robbie Williams and Mark Ronson, Rufus also provides details about his new album Vibrate: The Best of Rufus Wainwright.

Episode 54 - Rufus Wainwright

Thomas Dolby

Musician and producer Thomas Dolby is the guest for episode 18 during which he talks about his illustrious career and the writing of songs like 'She Blinded Me With Science', 'Europa and the Pirate Twins', 'Hyperactive!', 'Nothing New Under the Sun', 'Evil Twin Brother' and 'The Toad Lickers'. Thomas also discusses his work as producer on the classic Prefab Sprout album Steve McQueen (aka Two Wheels Good).

Musician and producer <a href="http://thomasdolby.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thomas Dolby</a> is the guest for episode 18 during which he talks about his illustrious career and the writing of songs like 'She Blinded Me With Science', 'Europa and the Pirate Twins', 'Hyperactive!', 'Nothing New Under the Sun', 'Evil Twin Brother' and 'The Toad Lickers'. Thomas also discusses his work as producer on the classic Prefab Sprout album Steve McQueen (aka Two Wheels Good).

Episode 18 - Thomas Dolby

Hozier joins Simon and Brian for a chat about the writing of his new album Wasteland, Baby! In addition to discussing songs like 'Movement', 'Almost (Sweet Music)' and his work with the great Mavis Staples on 'Nina Cried Power', the Irish singer-songwriter also revisits the writing of songs from his first album, such as 'In A Week' and the colossal hit, 'Take Me To Church'.

<a href="https://hozier.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hozier</a> joins Simon and Brian for a chat about the writing of his new album Wasteland, Baby! In addition to discussing songs like 'Movement', 'Almost (Sweet Music)' and his work with the great Mavis Staples on 'Nina Cried Power', the Irish singer-songwriter also revisits the writing of songs from his first album, such as 'In A Week' and the colossal hit, 'Take Me To Church'.

Episode 132 - Hozier

Jimmy Webb

Simon and Brian talk to legendary American songwriter Jimmy Webb about the writing of classic songs like 'By The Time I Get To Phoenix', 'Wichita Lineman' and 'MacArthur Park'.

Simon and Brian talk to legendary American songwriter <a href="http://jimmywebb.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jimmy Webb</a> about the writing of classic songs like 'By The Time I Get To Phoenix', 'Wichita Lineman' and 'MacArthur Park'.

Episode 4 - Jimmy Webb

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